‘Des Moines Register’ Endorses Mitt Romney: First GOP Presidential Candidate To Get The Paper’s Nod In 40 Years

The Des Moines Register officially endorsed Mitt Romney on Saturday evening. It was the first time in 40 years that Iowa’s largest newspaper had chosen a Republican presidential candidate in 40 years. The paper, often regarded as the state’s most influential, cited Romney’s experience working in a bipartisan manner and his private sector success among the reasons for the endorsement.

An excerpt from the Des Moines Register endorsement reads:

“Voters should give Mitt Romney a chance to correct the nation’s fiscal course and to implode the partisan gridlock that has shackled Washington and the rest of America – with the understanding that he would face the same assessment in four years if he does not succeed.”

The Iowa newspaper also applauded Romney’s plan to foster economic growth by expanding trade, lowering taxes, increasing energy production, and balancing the federal budget. The editorial also noted the Republican presidential candidate’s experience balancing a budget in a largely “Blue” state as an accomplishment which should be repeated on a national level.

The editorial staff had this to say when cautioning Romney not to play partisan politics in the same manner that they considered President Obama had during his term:

“Romney should not squander an opportunity to build consensus in Washington by wasting time on issues that animate many in his party. We must make it easier for immigrants to come here to live and work legally and stop making criminals of those who are living here lawfully, paying taxes and raising families. The federal government must continue to insist on clean air and water and encourage clean and renewable energy.”

The Des Moines Register gave President Obama credit for initiating the stimulus during tumultuous fiscal times. The paper had this to say about the past four years:

“The president’s best efforts to resuscitate the stumbling economy have fallen short. Nothing indicates it would change with a second term in the White House.”

Mitt Romney tweeted his appreciation for the highly-sought after endorsement. According to the Los Angeles Times, Romney relayed the following:

“We need Iowa to help get America back on track. I am honored to have the Des MoinesRegister’s endorsement.”